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Health & Fitness

If someone's life depended on it, could you spot a stroke?

May is national Stroke Month. Take a few moments to learn the signs of stroke and what to do if you notice the warning signs.

Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a new or recurrent Stroke. A stroke is an injury to part of the brain. It is often called a brain attack. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens part of the brain can not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Brain tissue then starts to die. If you or someone you know experiences one or more of the signs of stroke, get help immediately.

Stroke warning signs are:

1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

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2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

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4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Stroke is a medical emergency and every second counts. Prompt treatment may prevent permanent disability. It is important for you to know the warning signs of stroke. If you notice these warning signs, note the time they first occur and respond quickly, and immediately call 9-1-1.

St. John Providence Health System is a national leader in quickly and accurately administering “tPA” to patients - a drug that can literally stop a stroke. This is an important point because with stroke, every second is an opportunity to save brain tissue.

We have also pioneered a program called “Code Stroke”. Through Code Stroke we communicate with a team of stroke experts, including a radiologist, neurologist and neurovascular specialist minutes after a patient arrives with stroke symptoms at a one of our network hospitals.

St. John Providence Health stroke centers are certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as “Primary Stroke Centers”. This certification program was developed by JCAHO in collaboration with the American Stroke Association. Primary Stroke Center certification recognizes the fact that our centers make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Achievement of certification signifies that the services provided have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for patients. It is the best signal to the community that the quality care we provide is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.

To find a St. John Providence Health System physician for your or your family, call us toll free at 866-501-DOCS (3627). We can help you select a physician that is right for you.

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